360 Health

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

The thyroid affects virtually every organ in your body. The hormones it produces (T3 and T4) regulate your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, energy level, and even your mood. When thyroid function is disrupted, the effects can be wide-ranging. Hypothyroidism (underactive) is the most common thyroid condition, affecting an estimated 5% of adults, with a clear predominance in women. It is often caused by the autoimmune condition Hashimoto's disease. Symptoms develop gradually and are therefore often recognised late. Hyperthyroidism (overactive) is less frequent but can be more serious. Graves' disease is the most common cause. Untreated, it can lead to heart rhythm disorders and bone loss. For women trying to conceive, the TSH value is particularly relevant, as suboptimal thyroid function can affect fertility and pose risks during pregnancy. A TSH below 2.5 mU/L is often used as a target in this context.

Elevated triglycerides may contribute to atherosclerosis and are a component of metabolic syndrome. They are often elevated alongside insulin resistance. Consult your healthcare provider.

BUN is a valuable marker for assessing how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Elevated levels may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning optimally, which can be associated with dehydration, kidney disease, or other underlying conditions. Monitoring BUN alongside other kidney markers such as creatinine and eGFR provides a more comprehensive picture of renal health and helps detect potential problems early.

Chronic kidney damage often progresses silently and rarely causes symptoms in early stages. Your kidneys can lose up to 50% of their function before you notice anything. Creatinine and eGFR are the standard markers for early detection. In diabetes and high blood pressure — the two leading causes of chronic kidney damage — periodic creatinine monitoring is part of clinical guidelines. Kidney function monitoring is also recommended during long-term use of NSAIDs (painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac), ACE inhibitors, or certain antibiotics. An elevated creatinine does not always indicate kidney damage. In people with high muscle mass (strength athletes) or high protein intake, the value can naturally be higher. Conversely, low creatinine in the elderly or in people with little muscle mass can mask reduced kidney function — eGFR is more reliable in those cases.

Chronic kidney damage is largely irreversible, but progression can be slowed or stopped if detected early. eGFR is the cornerstone of that early detection. Diabetes and high blood pressure together account for more than 60% of all cases of chronic kidney damage — periodic eGFR monitoring in these patient groups is therefore essential. At an eGFR below 60 ml/min, medication adjustments are often needed because many drugs are excreted by the kidneys. The dosage of contrast agents for CT scans must also be adjusted.

Free T4 may help your healthcare provider determine whether your thyroid gland is producing adequate hormone levels. Some experts consider it one of the most informative markers for detecting both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions early.

LDL cholesterol is the best-established modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event by approximately 20–25%. This effect is independent of how the reduction is achieved — through diet, exercise, or medication. In familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) — a hereditary condition affecting approximately 1 in 250 people — LDL is elevated from a young age, significantly increasing the risk of early cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

The liver performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. A comprehensive liver function test provides a holistic assessment that individual markers alone cannot offer. Early detection of liver dysfunction through routine testing allows for timely intervention, which is particularly important because liver disease often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

SHBG levels may help explain symptoms related to hormone imbalances even when total hormone levels appear normal. Understanding SHBG can provide a more complete picture of hormonal health. Consult your healthcare provider to interpret results.

Vitamin B12 is believed to be vital for healthy nerve cells, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Low levels may be associated with anaemia, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. Early detection through testing may help prevent long-term complications.

Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for strong bones, a well-functioning immune system, and overall well-being. Low levels may be associated with an increased risk of bone disorders, mood changes, and weakened immunity. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Free testosterone drives muscle development, energy levels, mood, and sexual function. Even when total testosterone appears normal, low free testosterone could suggest functional deficiency. Discussing your results with a healthcare provider may help identify whether further evaluation is warranted.

Testosterone plays a fundamental role in many bodily functions for both sexes. Imbalances could potentially affect energy, mood, body composition, and reproductive health. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate your levels in the context of your overall health.

Free T3 may help your healthcare provider evaluate how well your thyroid is functioning at a cellular level. Some experts suggest it can reveal conversion issues that other thyroid tests might miss, potentially offering a more complete understanding of thyroid health.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and one of the leading causes of fatigue. Ferritin detects iron deficiency at an early stage, before haemoglobin drops. This makes it a valuable preventive marker. In women of childbearing age, iron deficiency is particularly common due to menstrual blood loss. A ferritin below 30 µg/L with symptoms such as fatigue, concentration problems, or hair loss is often already reason to supplement, even if haemoglobin is still normal. On the other hand, significantly elevated ferritin (above 500 µg/L) can indicate haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition in which the body absorbs too much iron. Untreated, this can lead to liver, heart, and joint damage. Haemochromatosis occurs in 1 in 200 people of European descent and is often discovered late.

HDL has an active protective function: it removes excess cholesterol from vessel walls and transports it to the liver. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport and counteracts atherosclerosis. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even when LDL is normal. Low HDL is often seen with metabolic risk factors: overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. It is therefore a marker of overall metabolic health.

Albumin is important for maintaining blood volume, transporting substances, and reflecting overall health status. Low levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Consult your healthcare provider.

The CBC is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and diagnostic medicine. It can help detect a wide range of conditions including anemia, infections, immune disorders, blood cancers, and clotting problems. Regular CBC testing supports early detection and ongoing health monitoring.